IndiGo Contemplates Airbus A350 for Potential Widebody Expansion, Sources Reveal
Reports suggest that IndiGo, India’s leading budget airline, is edging closer to its inaugural widebody aircraft order, with the Airbus A350 emerging as the favored choice. Sources familiar with the matter, cited by Bloomberg, indicate that while IndiGo is still deliberating its options, an order for 30 Airbus A350s appears to be gaining traction.
The insider disclosed to Bloomberg that while no final decision has been reached, an announcement regarding the widebody order could materialize within the coming weeks.
Despite IndiGo’s existing operations on international routes, predominantly to the Middle East and Southeast Asia, its fleet primarily comprises narrowbody aircraft. Notably, the airline presently operates two widebody Boeing 777 jets, leased from Turkish Airlines, servicing routes to Istanbul.
However, the acquisition of 30 Airbus A350s could potentially revolutionize IndiGo’s competitive landscape, enabling it to challenge Air India on long-haul flights to destinations across the United States and Europe.
This potential move follows IndiGo’s monumental aircraft orders in recent years, including a historic agreement with Airbus in 2023 for 500 aircraft, encompassing 125 A320neo and 375 A321neo planes, in addition to a prior order for 480 aircraft.
Speculation surrounding IndiGo’s widebody expansion intensified in August 2023, with reports hinting at a prospective order for 25 Boeing 787 Dreamliner family aircraft.
As IndiGo navigates the dynamic aviation industry landscape, the potential addition of Airbus A350s marks a significant step towards broadening its operational horizons and strengthening its position in the global market.
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